In a groundbreaking decision, a federal judge in New Jersey has forced the state to scrap its unique primary ballot design that gives party-backed candidates an advantage. This ruling by U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi could significantly disrupt the state’s political system. The decision was a victory for Democratic U.S. Representative Andy Kim, who, along with two congressional candidates, had sued various county clerks earlier this year, arguing that the ballot design was unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, a Texas appeals court upheld a lower court’s injunction blocking the state from investigating parents who provide their transgender children with gender-affirming medical treatments. Governor Greg Abbott had ordered the state Department of Family Protective Services to carry out child abuse investigations into families whose children were receiving puberty-blocking treatments, which he deemed abusive.
In other news, the U.S. House of Representatives has banned congressional staffers from using Microsoft’s Copilot generative AI assistant due to cybersecurity concerns. Additionally, President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is reaching out to supporters of former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, highlighting a new ad that suggests Donald Trump does not want their vote.
Former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton recently discussed the disconnect between positive economic indicators and public dissatisfaction with the economy. They urged Americans to stick with President Biden for a second term despite these concerns. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris has been stepping up her public appearances in an effort to rally support for the Biden administration.
Lastly, a massive crane has been put in place in Baltimore to clear debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge after a cargo ship crashed into it, causing significant damage. The crane, capable of lifting up to 1,000 tons, will begin removing wreckage from the harbor in the coming days.